This is a friends-to-lovers story from the outside but feel reaches the heights of what some of the best BL stories can offer. Some People may not appreciate its slow-burn style of storytelling but I believe it enhances every part of the plot from its characters to its story. There is so much character-building right from the start all the way to the end. You truly feel like you are a part of the world of the characters, as each week goes by more and more layers are added to its story and characters, its a universal show that has so many moments of relatability. It goes through the highs and lows of growing up as a queer person, the fleeting friendships, and just experiencing life. While it may be a premise that has been done I don't think any have felt as fleshed out as this, it's a sad series but equally shows us the happy moments, the important moments of love that help bring levity & realism to its story. It's one of the best depictions of life on screen. This series takes the audience seriously and expects us to take it slow and we were so rewarded for our investment! The story centers around friendship to the eventual lover relationship between childhood friends Cake (Santa) and Eiw (Earth). Eiw is a character you see as a person who is so introverted, so scared to put himself out there, and Cake a boy the complete opposite of Eiw. He's outgoing, has a lot of friends, and has a girlfriend. but because of their strong bond at birth, as they get older their dependence on each other begins to become something confusing for Eiw as they begin to leave adolescence behind. Despite their differences Cake is someone who is so caring, and gentle with Eiw & his feelings. Over the course of the series, you see the struggles of young Eiw discovering himself and his sexuality. As these revelations come to light for Eiw so do the conflicts and struggles that test the bonds and dependency of these two friends, You see Eiw evolve as well as see the complex character of Cake begin to wrestle deeply with his feelings for Eiw. It is a timeless tale but brought up new heights by its superb acting by both veteran actor Earth and new actor Santa, who completely brings depth and nuance to Cake that is hard for any actor to pull off but Santa delivers what I see is a breakout performance that rival many of the top actors in the Industry. Its themes are explored with care and nuance that I feel really makes this series sing. The directing adds some deliberate choices to enhance the story, as well as great music to bring out the emotions of everyone. Many BL stories don't get the proper time to develop the relationships between the leads and this slow pace made for the perfect and satisfying build of this relationship throughout the characters' lives. So I was much more invested. I think there is so much to love about this series, and if you can be open to its slow pace I do find the reward at the end is something worth taking this journey to see.